The Mancunian academy prospect has signed his first professional contract with United, joining the likes of Angel Gomes, Aidan Barlow, Aliou Traore, Arnau Puigmal and George Tanner.

And the 18-year-old - described by under-18s coach Kieran McKenna as a ‘tough, aggressive defender who is good in the air’ - will use Butt’s guidance to try to make his name at the club he has supported since boyhood.

“Obviously, being from Manchester and supporting United, it’s a boyhood dream to turn professional with the club,” Dunne told MUTV. “Nicky Butt has been telling me how I’ve been doing and what I need to improve.

“I signed the contract just after I turned 18 but I got told about it before my birthday so it was like a special present. My family were really happy, as was I.”

Dunne was part of the United under-19s squad that was in Belgrade to face FK Brodarac in the UEFA Youth League this week as the club was commemorating those who lost their lives in the Munich Air Disaster back in Manchester.

Max Dunne in Belgrade.

The young Reds claimed their place in Friday’s round-of-16 draw with a 2-0 win and their trip included visits to the venues where the Busby Babes played their final game and had their last meal together - the Partizan Stadium and Hotel Majestic - before the tragedy 60 years ago.

VIP guests helped the youngsters get an understanding of the disaster, which Dunne feels will be beneficial to them.

“It was definitely an experience for me,” Dunne said. “I knew parts of the story and what went on but a few of the players didn’t know as much and, coming away, you learn a lot more.

Read More

“When I saw it first hand, like on the first night when we saw pictures of the players who were in the same room as us, it took me aback a bit. It’s a crazy coincidence that 60 years to the very day, we happened to be in Belgrade for a Youth League match.

“I think it was very important for the lads because obviously I’m lucky coming from Manchester, and a Manchester United family, so I knew about it. Some knew about it due to the size of the club but not to that extent. We all took something from the trip and all learned something.”